Crabby thoughts

One of my not-so-secret favorite things is the crab fisherman show, Deadliest Catch. Those guys have guts. And they have something else I envy: They're very structured.

On a recent episode, one of the boats was offloading crabs at the cannery. Usually at least one of the fisherman watches as they unload the crab to make sure they're not cheated. But one boat forgot to delegate the task. The result: The cannery swindled them out of $6,000 worth of crab. You can bet that captain was mad.

It's a path that leads to frustration. We don't assign tasks—around the house or the office—and we're upset when they don't happen. Guess what? If you don't ask others to help you, you're gonna end up doing it all yourself. And resenting it.

So starting today, I'm gonna be more structured. For me, that means assigning chores to everyone in the house. Even the hubby. It sounds goofy, but I can get past the silliness of it if it helps teach my three-year-old son the importance of picking up after himself.

My three gifts to myself today:
1. A babysitter for some ME time
2. A coffee drink
3. A little grace with the household chores

Airing my dirty laundry

Yes, I hide my laundry. And if you've ever been to my house, you're part of the conspiracy. I graciously tuck all of my unmentionables out of sight and you pretend not to notice the cobwebs, the bulging doors, and the hastily stacked mail on the end table.

The problem is, I'm not willing to give up one of my projects to do housework.

When I first imagined staying home with the kids, it was going to be so much easier. Sure, we'd always have fresh laundry because I'd be home to do it. I didn't count on an active three year old and an infant who spends so much time on my hip she thinks she's attached. (Pause to pick something out of the baby's mouth.)

So OK. I resolve today to stop worrying about it. And if you don't mind my mess, I won't mind yours either.

My three things I'm going to do for myself today:

1. Lunch with a friend

2. A coffee drink

3. 10 quiet minutes to daydream

What about you? Do you have any resolutions? And what three things will you do for yourself today?